Overview & Reviews

Just about every automotive manufacturer produces a sport-utility vehicle today. But back in the early 1990s, there was only a sprinkling of truck-based, off-road vehicles to whet the appetites of those trendsetters who were ahead of their time in appreciating elevated seating heights and macho styling. The Isuzu Rodeo was one of these pioneers; a midsize SUV with ample room for five passengers and a comfy ride. Compared to more rough-and-tumble models from Jeep or Chevy, the Rodeo was much easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, and it quickly became a best-selling import SUV.

For the second-generation Rodeo, Isuzu concentrated on weight reduction, noise deadening, passenger comfort and improved on-road driving dynamics that all made the Rodeo a more livable daily driver. Thanks to a generous warranty, it was initially one of our top choices in the segment, but quickly found itself outclassed by newer competitors despite some minor updates.

Although a well-maintained used Isuzu Rodeo should satisfy shoppers on a tight budget, those willing to spend a bit more would be better served by more refined SUVs such as the Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner.

Most recent Isuzu Rodeo

The second-generation Isuzu Rodeo midsize SUV arrived in 1998 with the same basic shape of its successful predecessor. The spare tire was now attached directly to the hatch (rather than a separate swinging tire carrier), or it could be mounted under the truck for a cleaner tail end design. These two configurations also reduced weight, which was a key design goal for Isuzu's engineers. In total, 285 pounds were shaved off the Rodeo by reducing frame and engine weight, by switching to rack-and-pinion steering and by using a five-link rear suspension design.

This reduced the burden on the four- and six-cylinder engines, which despite going up in power, were hardly known for providing quick acceleration. The standard 2.2-liter inline-4 engine available on the base S model made an anemic 129 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, and could only be coupled to a five-speed manual. The 3.2-liter V6 available on the S and standard on the LS and LSE produced 205 hp and 214 lb-ft and was mated to either the manual or a four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard with four-wheel drive being optional on all trim levels, but only with the V6.

The base S model with the four-cylinder engine was essentially a stripper (though antilock brakes were standard) with only a few options like air-conditioning available. Standard and optional equipment on upper trim levels included alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, full power accessories, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, moonroof, leather upholstery and a six-speaker stereo with cassette or CD player.

In 2000, the Isuzu Rodeo received more than 200 changes, including an aggressive styling refresh, updated seating and an optional Intelligent Suspension Control (ISC) system that automatically selected one of 17 shock rebound and compression rates depending on road conditions. A new Ironman LS package included sunroof, alloy wheels, ISC, special decals and a Best of Black Sabbath album (wait, that's a different Ironman). A transferable 10-year/120,000-mile powertrain warranty also became standard in 2000 and a two-door Rodeo Sport model was sold from 2001 to 2003.

When that second-generation Rodeo debuted, we considered it one of the top midsize SUVs on the market. We were particularly impressed with its quality interior, silky V6 engine and roomy backseat. After a long-term test and two years later, however, we were no longer so enamored (quite the opposite, really) and thought that in general, recently introduced SUVs were much better choices than the Rodeo.

While the V6 and ample space continued to score points, our long-termer's three breakdowns, shoddy build quality and numerous electrical gremlins were simply unacceptable and we began to view the interior plastics as increasingly cheap compared to those in the newer competition. We also complained about the vehicle's paltry gas mileage, low towing capacity and rough-riding suspension.

Past Isuzu Rodeo models

The original Isuzu Rodeo was introduced for 1991. Like its replacement, it was available with four- and six-cylinder engines and a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. With its long wheelbase, this Rodeo offered one of the best rides and largest backseats on the market.

Initially, both the 3.1-liter V6 and 2.6-liter inline-4 made only 120 hp. The V6 made 30 more lb-ft of torque, but its upgrade to 175 hp in 1993 was certainly welcome. The four-cylinder remained unchanged. Early Rodeos were also not very safe, receiving poor crash test scores and offering almost no safety equipment. Antilock brakes were standard, but were rear-wheel only with four-wheel ABS becoming an option in 1995. That year also saw front airbags added along with a redesigned dashboard courtesy of Honda, which rebadged the Rodeo as its Passport SUV a year previously. The only other significant changes for the Rodeo occurred in 1996 when Isuzu bumped the V6 up to 190 hp, added a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system and improved the vehicle's ride quality.

User Reviews:

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  Excellent Mid-Range SUV - 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Pcolaboy - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Rodeo for nearly two years now and Im still enjoying it. It combines great looks, practical features, and SUV functions. Aside from initial dealership headaches while trying to have additonal options installed, I have had ZERO problems.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By jp12 - May 7 - 5:30 am

  Our Rodeo has 157,000 on it. Ran the thing all over the east coast.Bought it used with 29,000 on it. The upper spring perches rusted off of the frame rail.Frame still looks good though. Bought some perches from a junk yard down south, they look new. If the weld comes out ok, we will run this vehicle another 157,000. Now only going to be used for new england winters. Does use more oil than it should,we just keep an eye on the level.

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  looks good in crystal blue - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By FCC - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our Rodeo Dec. 25, 03 and so far it has been nice to drive. Only use it in city driving so suspension concerns are not an issue. love the look and the ride, interior could use upgrade.

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  I love mine! - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By K - April 6 - 9:36 am

  I got this Rodeo after having owned a 93 Rodeo. I am planning on buying another one! I love it, I lived in Ohio and went to college in Tennessee and my Rodeo got me through dozens of long trips over the years and remained solid. I love the toughness of the vehicle and the ability to keep running. I maintained the truck with oil changes, belts, tires, etc. I have had a few minor problems, one fan went out that cost me $200, and I have a small coolant leak right now, but what do you expect at 160k miles! I have put nearly 100k miles on the Rodeo since purchasing it, and feel I have more then got my moneys worth. My husband and I call it "Old Faithful"!

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  Very Nice SUV - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By GregCAZ - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I really like this SUV. It has run great with NO problems. I love the cargo room and the exterior looks like and SUV not mini-van on steroids. There is plenty of front leg room and the rear seat has plenty of room for my 6 son. This SUV gets high marks from my whole family.

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  Bullet proof - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By Ed Dennis - April 5 - 10:00 am

  One of the tighest vehicles I have ever experienced. No rattles ever. This is a true 4 wheel drive vehicle, it is built on a truck frame and will go anywhere. All of the new SUVs are compromises trying to make a vehicle ride and handle like a car while it looks like a 4 WD SUV. The newer models are really cars not trucks and if you get them in to rough terrain they will leave you there. The rodeo will bring you home and in style. Absolutely no problems in 18 months.

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  Rodeo Fan - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By SUV Heaven - March 31 - 10:00 am

  After much research I bought a used 2001 LS V6 Rodeo w/ 45k miles late July from Pugmire Isuzu of Marietta Georgia, great dealership. My previous car was a 95 Ford Contour so to say the least, the Rodeo is an improvement. The V6 engine is smooth as silk and seems very reliable so far. Plenty of power, takes hills like a champ!! The engine idle is so quite, when I left the dealer the day I bought if I thought the engine cut off while I was waiting at a stoplight. Interoir is nothing fancy but I did not buy a SUV for luxury. Build quality seems to be very solid, no squeeks or rattles. Love the sporty/aggressive looks, stands out from all the other cookie cut

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  Too many little things, one big problem - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By nateasu - March 10 - 9:56 pm

  Bought the car, was happy. Turns out the headrest was broken and wouldnt stay up. Dealership told me theyd have to unstitch the seat to get to the problem and Id be without a car for a week. Hood had dimples in it like someone sat on it with quarters in their back pocket. 100 miles after the warranty, the CD player broke and ruined my CDs. Parking brake never really worked. Probably caused by the dealership drove around with the parking brake on because the rear brakes needed to be replaced the first time I had them inspected. Oh yeah, 4 years into owning the car, it wouldnt shift out of 1st gear. I had an emergency repair done then the manufacturer wouldnt honor the warranty. Cost me $4k.

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  Just what the doctor ordered - 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
  By columbia rodeo - March 4 - 6:56 pm

  For me, with a towing package, this is the ideal suv for the money. I dont know where you can find an equal value in todays market. To date, other than oil changes, Ive only replaced the drive belt and tires. This is my 4th Isuzu since the mid 80s, I average about 120k mi/truck between purchases. With routine attention to maintenance theyve all been reliable rides. Like many others on this site I can not understand the low ratings from editors. Id like to see Isuzu revive the Trooper and Rodeo in the US soon.

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  AC Compressor and Cruise Control - 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
  By grockford - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I, like a previous reviewer, need a new AC compressor. AC compressor went 1500 miles out of warranty. Cruise control also engages itself when the car is running primarly at a speed less than 20 mph, and they can not find the problem. Had a 97 rodeo prior to this one and never had any problems with it even when it got to 90,000 miles.